ASPARAGUS AU GRATIN

Extra special asparagus recipe with cheese sauce and cracker-crumb nut layers.

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk
1 cup shredded cheese
1 1/2 cups cracker crumbs
3/4 chopped walnuts
1 to 1 1/2 pounds fresh trimmed asparagus, cooked, or thawed frozen asparagus (10 ounces)

In a saucepan, melt butter; stir in flour and salt until smooth. Add milk gradually and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until sauce is slightly thickened.

Add shredded cheese to the sauce.

Combine cracker crumbs and chopped walnuts.

Into a buttered casserole, place a layer of asparagus, a layer of cracker mixture and a layer of the sauce. Repeat layers, usingremaining ingredients.

Bake at 375F oven until top is nicely browned, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Servings: 4 to 6